Starting Development

[SabreTech]

Hello all,

This is my first post on the community forums here at Truevision3D. I currently develop with a small Indie group named CNG, an unofficial division of the Crynet Group server firm. (Please no comments about copyright issues). I am looking seriously at this point into starting development for a game we are discussing. I am thinking of using VisualBasic.NET as we have Visual Studio 2010 professional. My major questions are:

Does most coding happen in VS?
Does TrueVision support first-person shooter development (models/physics)?
Are there any multiplayer capabilities?
                 -If so, can we run our own servers?
Finally, has anyone ever done any cinematics with this engine?

I know most of this information is likely in the forums but I simply haven't had much time to look, so looking for some feedback/experience/knowledge from any community members.

Thanks!

~Joey

[AriusEso]

Does most coding happen in VS?
Does TrueVision support first-person shooter development (models/physics)?
Are there any multiplayer capabilities?
                 -If so, can we run our own servers?
Finally, has anyone ever done any cinematics with this engine?

#1: Yes, most people use Visual Studio( Or express versions of .NET/C++ ). Though it should be noted, though it's irrelevant, TV3D supports other languages also.

#2: TV3D is a rendering engine and not a game engine. It can be used to make whatever type of game you like. It has an implementation of Newton Dynamics built in for physics needs, but, you can use any physics engine you like -- I personally use PhysX.

#3: No, TV3D does not have any networking built in. But as with physics, you can use any third party networking library, or write your own. TV3D was used for the MMO "Alganon" and the IGF Technical Excellence finalist MMO "N8 / Neverdaunt".

#4: No idea, but TV3D is highly generic. You can really do pretty much anything you want with it provided you're willing to put the time/work in.

( Also, you're posting this in the 6.3(DX8) section, I would highly recommend that you use 6.5(DX9) ).

Edit: Oh, and welcome.

[SabreTech]

Thank you, much appreciated. So any good thord party networking libraries anyone?

Also, noobish question. If this is more of a 3D Rendering engine, which is what I am looking for, fo individuals also use a game engine with this? Or is it not really needed. If so, any good ones for use with TrueVision?

[micmanos]

Truevision3D is highly capable rendering engine but it's nowhere near the panacea most people dream of. As a wrapper for DirectX it's carefully constructed to expose shortcuts for rapid development. TV is kinda like a bridge. Some parts are concrete, some wood and some ... you've got to jump to keep moving. The thing is that TV produces mixed feelings because there are things you can do with a single line and parts where you must code for a week or so. Although TV facilitates the use of more languages than other engines out there, it's not suitable for beginners in programming.

Bottom line, as you learn the tricks and quirks of TV you'll discover that there are many more things you'll have to deal with, other that rendering.

[AriusEso]

Bottom line, as you learn the tricks and quirks of TV you'll discover that there are many more things you'll have to deal with, other that rendering.

I agree with everything you said, which is why I added the caveat "providing you're willing to put the time/work in". However, TV's sole function is rendering. The other things one has to deal with are really not TV's job in the first place -- besides, perhaps, culling. It's one of the reasons I think TV7, if we get TV7, should remove things like TVAI and TVPhysics. I just don't think they belong.

[AriusEso]

Also, noobish question. If this is more of a 3D Rendering engine, which is what I am looking for, fo individuals also use a game engine with this? Or is it not really needed. If so, any good ones for use with TrueVision?

One writes their own game engine on top, which I think is what micmanos is referring too.

[micmanos]

Ok, getting out of topic here but oh,well. Nobody can argue that the extra non-rendering things add value. Maybe TV7 should be termed a "3D environment solution" which justifies encompassing physics, rendering, sound and even leave room for extra "solutions" like AI, Network, GUI, Math, Hardware, .. etc?

PS: AriusEso , "providing you're willing to put the time/work in" seems rather superficial. I use the "YOU'RE OUT OF YOUR #@$&%@ MIND !!" to make my point

[AriusEso]

Ok, getting out of topic here but oh,well. Nobody can argue that the extra non-rendering things add value. Maybe TV7 should be termed a "3D environment solution" which justifies encompassing physics, rendering, sound and even leave room for extra "solutions" like AI, Network, GUI, Math, Hardware, .. etc?

Yea, as a more general solution of sorts.

PS: AriusEso , "providing you're willing to put the time/work in" seems rather superficial. I use the "YOU'RE OUT OF YOUR #@$&%@ MIND !!" to make my point

lmao

[SabreTech]

Okay! Haha I think I have a little better understading. With that being said, anyone know of any good solutions for creating cinematics with this kind of middleware?